I could make the excuse again that this is another selfish episode, where I look to document as much of the knowledge and experiences from members of my family. My reasoning is pretty straightforward, having had a grandmother develop dementia over the last few years I feel it’s necessary to interview the family around me.But it would be disingenuous of me to say that this episode with Kim is only for selfish reasons.As you may have learnt in our interview with her partner Chris, Kim is a well regarded Australian handbag designer. Spencer & Rutherford is an iconic local brand, designed by Kim for well over 18 years now, appreciated in both the local and international markets.

Chris would be the first to admit that she’s the smarter of the two. My first memories of Kim are the witty dry jokes she would tell, that I never really understood at such a young age, but have come to appreciate in time.Kim has achieved more than most in her career, all the while being able to have children in the process. There’s immeasurable lessons that both young, career driven women, and couples considering entering business together, can learn from this episode.I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Key topics we covered in this episode include:

Her earliest fashion/design memory

Artistic disciplines and how she got started

Early work experience and how it shaped her career

Her grandmother’s influence

The transition from school to the workforce

Spencer & Rutherford, and working with your spouse

Advice for women looking to juggle children and work

Creative process

Enjoy the episode!

Show notes

01:55 - Introduction

05:02 - Her earliest fashion/design memory

07:37 - Artistic disciplines and how she got started

15:05 - Early work experience and how it shaped her career

17:17 - Her grandmother’s influence

21:25 - The transition from school to the workforce

27:51 - Spencer & Rutherford, and working with your spouse

33:54 - How to keep both your working and personal lives

36:26 - How having children has changed her life and career

38:34 - Advice for women looking to juggle children and work

46:02 - Admired illustrators

48:28 - Creative process

52:19 - The production side of handbags

57:01 - The manufacturing process

01:07:14 - Reflecting on her career and if she’d do anything differently